Whittier student named a Presidential Scholar nominee

Wednesday

Dec 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School senior Emily Shal is one of five Massachusetts students chosen as a U.S. Presidential Scholar nominee in the career and technical education component.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program expanded in 2015 to include students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

CTE schools nominate up to five candidates each year for consideration, who are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, service activities and essay submission.

“I was super surprised to learn that I was nominated because there are tons of great high school students out there that achieve so much,” said Shal. “I didn’t realize that I’m one of those students.”

Guidance Director Kristine Morrison nominated Shal, a health occupations student from Amesbury, for the award, describing her as determined, hardworking and intelligent.

“Just to be nominated by Whittier is an honor,” said Shal. “This in itself is such a huge achievement.”

Shal was elected class president this year, and she serves as captain for both track and field.

Shal has obtained several certifications and grown her work experience over her high school career as a health occupations student. She is a licensed certified nursing assistant, certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and will earn her EMT certification in January 2019.

Shal is also an inducted member of the National Technical Honor Society and dedicates her spare time to SkillsUSA. Her team won a gold medal at the state competition and a bronze at the national level for their project Music and Memory, which helps those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“Emily’s personal growth comes by way of the obstacles that she has overcome,” Morrison wrote in her nomination, referencing Shal’s determination to educate her peers about other cultures, as her family emigrated from Russia. “This has lent to the mature, kind, compassionate young woman she has become.”

Sixty CTE semifinalists will be chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars in March. The Commission on Presidential Scholars then selects up to 20 CTE Presidential Scholars in April.